Nevada may be famous for its desert landscapes, casinos, and entertainment scene, but over the years, it has grown into a hub for craft beer lovers. With an array of breweries popping up in cities like Reno and Las Vegas, the state has become a go-to destination for locally brewed excellence. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best breweries Nevada has to offer, their top-selling beers, and how you can find them using Google Maps links.
Craft Beer Culture in Nevada
The craft beer movement in Nevada is rapidly growing, with passionate brewers creating unique, high-quality beers using locally sourced ingredients. The breweries often blend traditional styles with bold experimentation, resulting in a wide variety of flavors that appeal to everyone from casual drinkers to craft beer connoisseurs.
Breweries in Reno, Nevada
Great Basin Brewing Company
One of the oldest and most respected breweries in Nevada, Great Basin Brewing Company is a pioneer in the state’s craft beer scene. Founded in 1993, this brewery is known for producing well-balanced beers that reflect Nevada’s adventurous spirit.
- Top Beers:
- Ichthyosaur “Icky” IPA: A hoppy and aromatic West Coast IPA with a hint of citrus and pine, named after Nevada’s state fossil.
- Outlaw Milk Stout: A rich, smooth stout with roasted malt flavors and a creamy finish.
- Wheeler Peak Wheat: A refreshing wheat beer with a light citrus taste, perfect for warm days.
- Locations:
Revision Brewing Company
Established in 2017, Revision Brewing Company has quickly made a name for itself in the craft beer world. Known for bold, hoppy beers, Revision specializes in IPAs and has gained numerous awards for its unique brews.
- Top Beers:
- Revision IPA: A classic West Coast IPA bursting with pine and tropical fruit notes.
- Disco Ninja: A New England-style hazy IPA with strong flavors of citrus and stone fruit.
- Reno As F****: An Imperial IPA that pays tribute to its hometown, featuring bold hop flavors and a strong malt backbone.
- Location:
Pigeon Head Brewery
Located in the heart of Reno, Pigeon Head Brewery is known for its German-style lagers and ales. They offer a different kind of experience for craft beer enthusiasts who prefer clean, crisp lagers with a traditional touch.
- Top Beers:
- Pilsner: A traditional, easy-drinking pilsner with light malty sweetness and a crisp finish.
- Red Rye Lager: A bold lager with spicy rye flavors and a smooth finish.
- Black Lager: A dark lager with notes of roasted malt and chocolate, yet smooth enough for light sipping.
- Location:
The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery
The Depot combines the best of both worlds by offering craft beer and spirits. Housed in a restored train depot in downtown Reno, this brewery/distillery focuses on creating locally inspired brews with a nod to Nevada’s industrial history.
- Top Beers:
- Nevada Proud Pale Ale: A refreshing pale ale with a balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, showcasing local ingredients.
- Ranch Hand Red Ale: A smooth red ale with rich caramel malt flavors and a hint of bitterness.
- Engine 39 Rye IPA: A rye-forward IPA with a spicy bite and piney hop aromas.
- Location:
Breweries in Las Vegas, Nevada
Tenaya Creek Brewery
Founded in 1999, Tenaya Creek Brewery is a Las Vegas staple. They’ve built a reputation for consistently producing well-crafted beers that balance innovation with traditional brewing techniques.
- Top Beers:
- Bonanza Brown Ale: A smooth, malt-forward brown ale with notes of caramel, chocolate, and roasted nuts.
- Hop Ride IPA: A West Coast-style IPA with assertive hop bitterness balanced by a malty backbone.
- Hauling Oats Oatmeal Stout: A creamy oatmeal stout with deep roasted malt flavors and a rich, smooth finish.
- Location:
CraftHaus Brewery
A popular spot for locals and tourists alike, CraftHaus Brewery has a welcoming atmosphere and a dedication to producing quality, small-batch beers. Their focus is on European-style beers with a modern American twist.
- Top Beers:
- Resinate IPA: A hop-forward IPA with citrus and piney aromas, perfect for hop lovers.
- Zitrone Sour Ale: A tart and refreshing Berliner Weisse with bright lemon flavors.
- Silver State Blonde: A light and crisp blonde ale with a subtle malt sweetness and a clean finish.
- Locations:
Banger Brewing
Located on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, Banger Brewing is known for its craft beers and its commitment to the local community. This brewery focuses on bold, flavorful beers with creative twists.
- Top Beers:
- El Heffe Jalapeño Wheat: A unique wheat beer brewed with jalapeños, offering a spicy kick balanced by a light body.
- Morning Joe Coffee Kolsch: A hybrid beer combining the light, crisp characteristics of a Kölsch with roasted coffee flavors.
- Hop Bang Boom IPA: A classic American IPA with strong citrus and pine hop notes, ideal for IPA enthusiasts.
- Location:
Breweries in Carson City, Nevada
Shoe Tree Brewing Company
Shoe Tree Brewing Company is a relatively new player in the Nevada craft beer scene but has quickly gained attention for its creativity and quality. Known for experimenting with different ingredients, this brewery offers a variety of unique and flavorful beers.
- Top Beers:
- Cucumber Blonde Ale: A refreshing blonde ale brewed with cucumber for a light, crisp, and incredibly drinkable experience.
- The Weiz Guys Hefeweizen: A classic Hefeweizen with banana and clove notes and a smooth finish.
- O.G. Sin IPA: A balanced IPA with tropical fruit and pine hop aromas, perfect for hop lovers.
- Location:
Breweries in Henderson, Nevada
Bad Beat Brewing
Located in Henderson’s Booze District, Bad Beat Brewing brings a playful energy to the craft beer scene with an emphasis on quality and creativity. Their taproom has a lively vibe, perfect for socializing over a pint or two.
- Top Beers:
- Bluffing Isn’t Weisse: A tart and fruity Berliner Weisse that is refreshingly light and packed with flavor.
- Ace in the Hole Pale Ale: A pale ale with a perfect balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, making it easy to drink.
- Winner’s Circle IPA: A hoppy IPA with citrus and floral aromas, offering a clean, bitter finish.
- Location:
Why Nevada Is a Must-Visit for Craft Beer Lovers
Nevada’s craft beer scene is not only growing, but it’s also innovating in ways that keep beer lovers excited. Whether you’re visiting the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, exploring the outdoors around Reno, or taking a day trip to Carson City, there’s a brewery nearby offering something unique. The breweries featured in this guide represent the best of Nevada’s craft beer culture, with each offering its own special twist on classic beer styles.
